Regulation of bumper height.
HRS §291-35.1
in effect291-35.1. Regulation of bumper height.
Maximum bumper heights of motor vehicles shall be determined by the weight
category of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as measured from a level surface
to the highest point on the bottom of the bumper. Maximum heights are as
follows:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Front Rear
Passenger vehicles 22 inches 22
inches
4,500 lbs. and under 29 inches 29
inches
4,501 lbs. to 7,500 lbs. 33 inches 33
inches
7,501 lbs. to 10,000 lbs. 35 inches 35
inches
For any vehicle with bumpers or attaching
components which have been modified or altered from the original manufacturer's
design to conform with the maximum bumper height requirements of this section,
the bumper height shall be measured from a level surface to the bottom of the
bumper. The vehicle frame rail, measured from a level surface to the bottom of
the vehicle frame rail, shall not exceed the attached bumper height. The
maximum distance between vehicle body to vehicle frame rail shall not exceed three
inches. The distance between the vehicle body to vehicle frame rail shall be
measured from the vehicle body mount seat to the vehicle frame rail mount
seat. "Bumper", for purposes of this section means a horizontal load
bearing protective system installed on a motor vehicle which is constructed of
sturdy materials that will not shatter or split upon moderate impact and
provides adequate protection against damages to the front and rear external
lighting and reflective devices, hood, trunk, doors, painted surfaces, cooling
system, exhaust system, and other components during a low speed impact. Any
vehicle that exceeds the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission - Regulation 12
recommended bumper height, based on the gross vehicle weight rating, shall be
equipped with an audible reverse warning system. The audible reverse warning
system is not required on any open cab vehicle with a distance of less than
four feet from the rear of the driver's seating position to the rear most part
of the vehicle body.
[L 1984, c 291, §1; am L 1985, c 122, §1]
Source: Hawaii State Legislature (capitol.hawaii.gov), via Internet Archive capturesURL: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0291/HRS_0291-0035_0001.htmFetched: 11/10/2026